Method and apparatus for selecting and dispensing individual recording discs stored in compartments in a juke-box

Abstract

In the selection and dispensing of one of a plurality of recording discs stored in compartments in a juke-box, each of said discs bearing a different code, one of said discs is selected by depressing a key, whereupon the stored discs are scanned automatically and, on detection of the selected disc, a dispensing mechanism is actuated automatically.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A phonograph disc storage mechanism comprising: storage means for a plurality of phonograph discs;   manually operable means for indicating a desired one of said discs;   a plurality of labels each having a machine readable optical code thereon, each label being in the form of a circular disc having a radius not greater than that of the title label of the phonograph disc and a centered hole, at least one label being affixed to each phonograph disc concentrically with a unique code being provided for each disc;   first signal generating means operatively connected to said manually operable means for generating a signal corresponding to the code of the desired one of said discs;   second signal generating means for reading, successively, the code on each disc and generating signals corresponding thereto, said second means including an optical code reader, means for moving said reader in a path successively past the rim of each disc, and a light conductor for each storage position, the inlet end of said conductor being closely adjacent said label and the outlet end closely adjacent the path of movement of said reader; and   means for comparing the signal from said first signal generating means and the signals from said second signal generating means to determine the location of the desired disc.   
     
     
       2. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said code reading means is mounted on a carriage movable in a path extending along said storage means, and drive means being provided for said carriage. 
     
     
       3. The mechanism of claim 2 wherein a record dispensing lever is mounted on said carriage, said means for comparing said signals controlling said drive means to position said dispensing lever at the location of the desired disc. 
     
     
       4. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said drive means is a stepping motor. 
     
     
       5. The mechanism of claim 3 wherein said dispensing lever is actuated by a rotary electromagnet. 
     
     
       6. A method for storing and retrieving phonograph discs in a mechanism of the type having storage means for a plurality of discs and manually operable disc selecting means, comprising the steps of: labeling each disc in the region thereof bearing the title label with a machine readable optical code, a unique code being provided for each disc;   placing said discs in said storage means; and   upon actuation of said selecting means, reading the codes on successive ones of said discs at locations adjacent the rims of said discs by means of optical conductors and a code reading mechanism to locate the one of said discs corresponding to the desired selection.